Hervey Bay Library services relocated while roof replaced

Hervey Bay Library services will be provided from a temporary pop-up facility across the road and alternative venues for up to four months while the library roof is replaced.

 Fraser Coast Regional Councillor David Lewis said the existing library building was 26 years old, with inspections identifying the roof had come to the end of its working life and needed to be replaced.

“The Hervey Bay Library is one of the community’s most-loved facilities with up to 1500 people visiting daily during busy periods to borrow books, DVDs and toys, access digital services and attend events,” he said.

“Across the Fraser Coast, more than 45,000 people are library members – more than a third of our population, highlighting just how popular our libraries are.

“Council acknowledges that the existing Hervey Bay Library does not have enough space to meet the needs of our growing population, which is why we will be building a new library in coming years under the Hinkler Regional Deal partnership with the Australian Government.

“The process to design and build the new modern library in the Hervey Bay city centre is underway. We look forward to engaging with the community about the exciting new programs they would like to see as the new library develops in the next couple of years.

“In the meantime, we need to replace the roof to ensure we keep our staff and citizens safe while continuing to provide services to the community. It’s important that we protect and maintain this valuable asset for future community use.”

Cr Lewis said a temporary portable building would be set up alongside the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, with the toilets and spaces within the gallery to be available to library staff and visitors.

“A small borrowing collection will be available in the portable building, with customers encouraged to reserve items, use online resources or visit other library branches which will remain open,” he said.

“Limited public computers, printing and Wi-Fi will be housed in the art gallery café space across the road, while adult and children’s programs will continue to be offered at alternative venues such as the art gallery, parks and the University of Sunshine Coast campus.”

Cr Lewis said Carfax Construction had been awarded the tender to replace the Hervey Bay Library roof and air conditioning system for $1.9 million, with work due to start in early June.

“The library building will be closed to the public from the close of business Wednesday 14 June until the works are completed, which is expected to take 12 to 16 weeks,” he said.

“The temporary library building will open on Tuesday 20 June.

“Opening hours will be similar to the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery opening hours, with the temporary library building to be open 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

“We thank the Queensland Government for providing $1.5 million through the Works for Queensland program to help us with this project.

“Council thanks residents in advance for their patience and understanding while this important work is underway.”